Community Crew hopes to expand lunch program across Niagara
A St. Catharines-based organization hopes to expand its programs throughout the region, bringing a hands-on approach to feeding the children of struggling families.
Community Crew director Sarah Pritula said the organization has focused its efforts for the past three years on helping the children of families living in poverty by providing a free lunch and activities to students at three St. Catharines elementary schools as well as a school in Welland and one in Niagara Falls — complementing breakfast programs provided by other charities.
With support from the community through events such as Saturday’s second annual Curl for Kids Bonspiel at the St. Catharines Curling Club, as well as its gala fundraising in March, the organization hopes to expand its services to other schools in Welland, Port Colborne and Fort Erie in the near future.
Board member Grant McArthur said volunteers also work hands-on with students.
“We’re not only feeding kids, but we want to change the perspective of the kids,” McArthur said. “Because they come from poverty, that doesn’t mean they should stay there. We’re trying to help them see the big picture … of getting out there and being proactive in the community.”
He said the Community Crew representatives “build relationships” with the students they’re helping.
The organization brought in about $15,000 during Saturday’s bonspiel, with contributions from the events 32 participants, money that will help pay for expansion of the program.
McArthur said several of the businesses that sponsored teams for the tournament “are continuously coming back and giving us things to help us with the program.”
“They obviously see the longevity of it. They’re coming back all the time and continuously supporting us,” he said.